'Umar's caliphate is regarded as a golden era in Islamic history.' Write an account of how 'Umar ruled during his ten year caliphate.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2015). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) 'Umar's caliphate is regarded as the golden era in Islamic history. 'Umar ruled bravely and justly and the Islamic empire expanded greatly under his rule. He was a brilliant administrator and that aspect of his caliphate needs to be brought out in the answer. Candidates could well write about how he appointed walis and qadis, established the majlis-e-shura and the diwan as well as various other departments. Examples of his just rule and simple living, even though he was the caliph of a mighty empire, could all be given in the answers. His creation of a regular army and cantonments, construction of irrigation canals etc. are points amongst others that could be covered and expanded upon in the answers.
2. [4] (b) Here it is up to the candidate to choose ‘Umar's greatest achievement during his term as caliph and say why in their opinion it was the greatest. The candidate choice could be from his military or his administrative achievements. All valid answers must be credited.